Answer

The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association (RIMA) has published Technical Bulletin #103, which reports that in peak summer conditions, the temperature of asphalt shingles is increased only an average of 2 to 5° F over radiant barrier roof sheathing. This is not a significant temperature rise and most shingle manufacturers have indicated that it does not affect their shingle warranties. However, you may wish to review your warranty to be sure it will not be voided. Contact your shingle manufacturer directly with any questions and ask for any changes in coverage to be provided in writing.

Can you paint plywood?

Answer

Yes, plywood can be painted using one coat of acrylic latex primer and at least two coats of acrylic latex paint. Oil-based paints are not recommended.

How is DensShield Tile Backer fastened in place?

Answer

No special or unique fasteners are required to fasten DensShield Tile Backer panels in place. For wood studs: galvanized roofing nails, rust-resistant drywall screws or bugle head deck screws. Fasteners should be long enough to penetrate at least 3⁄4 (19 mm) into the wood framing members. For metal framing: a variety of rust-resistant screws can be used.

Is ToughRock® Max-Impact fire rated?

Answer

ToughRock® Max-Impact meets criteria for Type X.

How much does a sheet of DryMax cargo weigh?

Answer

Answer

Sturd-I-Floor® is an APA designation that is a combination subfloor-underlayment produced from OSB or plywood. These panels feature a built-in underlayment that allows the convenience of using only Sturd-I-Floor® under certain finish flooring, especially carpet and pad.

Does ToughRock® Shaftliner carry a limited warranty for exposure to weather conditions?

Answer

Georgia-Pacific Gypsum does not offer a limited warranty for ToughRock Shaftliner for exposure to weather conditions. If you require a product that does have a limited warranty for exposure to normal weather conditions, consider using DensGlass® Shaftliner.

Does ToughRock® Sheathing carry an exposure warranty?

Answer

Georgia-Pacific Gypsum does not offer a limited warranty for ToughRock Sheathing for exposure to weather conditions. Per the Gypsum Association publication, GA-253, the product needs to be covered with a weather-resistive barrier within 30 days of installation. If you require a product that does have a limited warranty for exposure to normal weather conditions, consider using DensGlass® Sheathing or DensElement® Sheathing.

Can I use Thermostat radiant barrier sheathing on vaulted ceilings or metal roofs?

Answer

Yes, Thermostat radiant barrier sheathing can be used in both types of construction as long as you maintain a minimum 3/4″ airspace for the foil surface. In both cases, the foil face should be installed facing down.

Can I use gypsum board in ceilings at 24" o.c. support?

Answer

According to the Gypsum Association publication GA-216, gypsum board could be applied in a ceiling framed 24″ o.c. provided the board length is at right angles (perpendicular) to the framing members. When a water-based texture is to be applied, the maximum spacing for traditional 1/2″ gypsum board is 16″ o.c.

We always advise our customers to use either 5/8″ board, ToughRock® CD® ceiling board, or 1/2″ ToughRock Lite-Weight in such applications. Once the board sags, it is much more expensive to replace than to use the right product initially. Sag in the ceilings of new homes is a common complaint. Most often, research reveals it is not the board but job site conditions that cause the board to sag. Propane heaters combined with poor ventilation cause build-up of moisture in the house.

What is the proper way to store OSB on the yard or on a job site?

Answer

Whenever possible, store panels under a roof. Keep sanded panels and appearance-grade products away from high-traffic areas to prevent damage to surfaces. Use pieces of lumber to weigh down the top panel in a stack to reduce warpage from humidity. If moisture absorption is expected, cut steel bands on bundles to prevent edge damage.

If panels must be stored outside, stack them on a level platform supported by at least three 4x4s to keep them off the ground. Place one 4×4 in the center and the other two 4x4s 12 to 16 inches from the ends. Never leave panels or the platform in direct contact with the ground.

Cover the stack loosely with plastic sheets or tarps. Anchor the covering at the top of the stack, but keep it open and away from the sides and bottom to ensure good ventilation. Tight coverings prevent air circulation and when exposed to sunlight, may promote mold or mildew. (Source: APA Builder Tip U450: Storage and Handling of APA Trademarked Panels)

What should we do if the gypsum board gets wet?

Answer

According to the Gypsum Association publication GA-231, gypsum board should not be allowed to get wet; it should be covered if stored outside. However, there are situations where the board could get wet during transportation/storage or when installed in-place. If the board gets wet in an installed in-place situation, first remove the sources of moisture. Lay the board on a flat surface and allow it to dry out thoroughly. Once the board is dry, examine it for paper-to-core bond and mold and mildew growth. If installed, examine for nail pops and sag (in the case of ceilings). Paper-to-core bond failure and board sag are irreversible damage, and the board should be replaced. For nail pops, place a fastener an inch above or below any popped-up nail.

Can I use DensShield® Tile Backer in fire-rated wall assemblies?

Answer

Yes. 5⁄8” (15.9 mm) DensShield® Fireguard® Tile Backer is manufactured to meet Type X requirements (per ASTM C1178) and can be substituted in any generic assemblies using a 5⁄8” (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board. This permits the use of numerous 1-hour and 2-hour assemblies for both wood and metal frame construction. Transition to regular 5⁄89 (15.9 mm) Type X board is also minimized. For additional information concerning fire ratings and fire safety, go to www.buildgp.com/safetyinfo.

Can DensShield® Tile Backer be used in floor applications?

Answer

Yes. Both 1 ⁄4” (6.4 mm) and 1 ⁄2” (12.7 mm) DensShield® Tile Backer can be used in floor applications. Both of these thicknesses passed the Robinson Floor Test, the industry standard floor test for residential and light commercial ratings. The Robinson Floor Test (ASTM C627) is designed to determine how a tile assembly holds up under extreme wear and weight conditions. DensShield Tile Backer achieves the same light commercial rating as cement and fiber cement backers.

Can DensShield Tile Backer be used in non-tile wet area applications?

Answer

Yes. In many applications, DensShield Tile Backer is used for its moisture barrier and moisture-resistant qualities for non-tiled walls and ceilings. There are several methods for finishing the panel depending on the environment. The environments of non-wet, high humidity and wet areas are described in the DensShield Tile Backer technical brochure. Each environment has its own finishing recommendation. A finishing method must never be used in a more severe environment than described.